Payton Wilson–one of the top young linebackers in the class of 2018, who just so happens to be a standout at Hillsborough’s Orange High School–announced Monday afternoon he will stay home and play his college ball at UNC.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Wilson is a four-star recruit rated as the No. 84 player in his class by 24/7 Sports–regardless of position.

Among outside linebackers, however, Wilson ranks second in the nation.

He racked up 127 tackles–including 39 for a loss–during Orange’s 13 games this past season, his junior year.

On top of his defensive efforts, Wilson also carried the ball 84 times for 756 yards and six touchdowns as a running back–good enough for a staggering nine yards per carry.

Also used some in the passing game, he caught 13 passes for 305 yards and four scores.

This level of dominance attracted offers from many of the nation’s top college programs–a list that includes three of the teams from last season’s College Football Playoff: Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson.

With another year of high school still to play, the sky appears to be the limit for Wilson–who will surely be expected to make a huge impact when he arrives in Chapel Hill.

Photo: Ross Martin | CarolinaBlue, 247Sports

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